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Hello hitenshi! A power animal is another phrase for a totem animal. Power animals are there for inspiration, guidance, protection and "empower" us. Wheras a guide may only direct us. You may have many power animals and each may show itself at different times on your journey.

I hope this helps a little. And welcome to Shamanic Druid!

If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.--Mark Twain

Don't be confused, Ellen. The words and phrases "totem", "spirit guides", "power animals" are all used to basically discuss the same general idea: we have animals of the spirit and sometimes the flesh that are a part of us and/or guide us through this journey we call life.

Each shamanic practice or tradition may use a different phrase. But it is really semantics in the end.

So maybe it doesn't matter what you call the spirit animals that come and become a part of us. Maybe the fact that they come is more important than the name they are given. What matters most is the fact that you share your lifetimes with those whose spirit is one with you and who help you to become better individuals.

If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat.--Mark Twain

Just for myself, I think we can be overly concerned with the category an animal that chooses to come to us may belong in - power animal, ally, guide, totem.

When you have a friend, you may be aware of nationality, or race, or political party, or religion, or any number of other things. However the important thing will be your compatibility and connection. Same for the animals you meet and those who work with you. The important thing is that you develop the relationship with respect and appreciation for the aid the animal chooses to give you.

I realize not everyone will agree with me, but that's how I see it.

Good luck,
Donata

In some mysterious and wonderful way you are part of everything. And in that same mysterious and wonderful way, everything is a part of you. ---Nippawanock, ARAPAHOE

If I destroy you, I destroy myself. If I honor you, I honor myself. --- Hunbatz Men, MAYAN ELDER

During a meditation once I became a black leopard (panther). I’m sure this was internal rather than external because I started and ended (when I came out of the meditation) sitting in exactly the same spot. I couldn’t see all of myself as the panther, only the black paws beneath me and could effortlessly leapt up and down from high walls and run at high speed through dense jungle. It is an amazing experience, to feel the surefootedness, knowing exactly where each paw is, where every branch and twig is and at such speed.

I’m not at all an athletic person. I do 20 minutes of yoga exercises twice a day and enjoy long leisurely walks along the beach so this speed and dynamic energy and knowing where I was at high speed, were something never previously experienced. I’ve since had some less dramatic meditations as a panther (I am always the panther) and just accepted this was 'my' animal. But with all the different types you speak of I’m rather confused, what actually is my panther?